From openmichigan

Contents 1 What is an Open Data License? 2 List of Open Content Licenses 2.1 Creative Commons 2.2 Open Knowledge Foundation

What is an Open Data License?

An Open Data License is a license which when applied to databases or other collections of data allows other users to reuse the content and build on top of it.

Of particular note: While a specific collection and arrangement of data could have copyright protection, the individual facts do not. This is the case for all facts and ideas; they are explicitly listed as not subject to copyright. See [§ 102(b)] of US Copyright Law.

List of Open Content Licenses

Creative Commons

Creative Commons has created a WAIVER for use with Data and Databases.

• Creative Commons Zero Waiver (aka: CC0)
  • This waiver allows the creator to release the work without any copyright restrictions. There are no copyright/property restrictions on reuse but there may be privacy or patent concerns.

Open Knowledge Foundation

• Open Database License (aka: ODbL)
  • An "Attribution ShareAlike" license for databases.
• Public Domain Dedication and License (aka: PDDL)
  • Dedicates works to the public domain by removing copyright restrictions.